TOPEKA—Rep. Arlen Siegfreid (R-Olathe) today testified before the House Taxation Committee supporting a bill he’s sponsoring to establish the Simplified State Tax Structure Committee. The measure, HB 2463, would assemble a panel of legislators and Kansas economists tasked with creating a fair, simple and effective tax code.
“Kansas tax policy is too complicated,” said Rep. Siegfreid. “It’s difficult to understand the impact of decisions we’re making because current tax laws are so complex and interwoven. We have to establish a clear set of policies and simplify the entire process.”
The proposed committee would consist of 11 legislators, meeting five times during both the 2010 and 2011 interim sessions. Legislative support staff economists from state universities would assist in the exploration of policy changes.
“The committee will examine a flat tax, fair tax—or perhaps something entirely different. The bottom line is that it’s critical for us to find a system to broaden the tax base and lower the tax rate. Streamlining the taxation process puts Kansas businesses at a competitive advantage, and eases the burden on our families by lowering rates,” said Rep. Siegfreid.
The bill is anticipated to be passed by the House Taxation Committee and will then await consideration by the full House.
